Alleviating Distress During Antepartum Hospitalization: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Music and Recreation Therapy

Background: Pregnant women who are placed on hospitalized bed rest experience increased antepartum-related distress. We sought to examine the efficacy of a single session music or recreation therapy intervention to reduce antepartum-related distress among women with high-risk pregnancies experiencing extended antepartum hospitalizations. Methods: In a randomized, single-blinded study, participants (n=80) received 1 hour of music or recreation therapy or were placed in an attention-control group. Antepartum-related distress was measured by the Antepartum Bedrest Emotional Impact Inventory, which was administered before and after the intervention and at a follow-up period between 48 and 72 hours. Results: Significant associations were found between the delivery of music and recreation therapy and the reduction of antepartum-related distress in women hospitalized with high-risk pregnancies. These statistically significant reductions in distress persisted over a period of up to 48-72 hours. Conclusions: Single session music and recreation therapy interventions effectively alleviate antepartum-related distress among high-risk women experiencing antepartum hospitalization and should be considered as valuable additions to any comprehensive antepartum program.